This is my second showcase for some of my favourite photographs from the Documerica Project - this time featuring the work of Photographer David Hiser.
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For the Documerica Project (1971-1977),
the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) hired freelance photographers to
capture images relating to environmental
problems, EPA activities, and everyday
life in the 1970s. The U.S. National Archives digitized more than 15,000 photographs from the series, and they can now be seen online.
David chose his areas of coverage
for his DOCUMERICA assignment,
intentionally picking areas familiar to
him. His photographs capture the
striking landscape of America's Desert
Southwest.
Hiser's photographs of Michael Reynolds' "beer can" houses in Taos, New Mexico, document positive innovations in recycling and reuse of common discarded materials to construct Earth-friendly homes.
Hiser's photographs of Michael Reynolds' "beer can" houses in Taos, New Mexico, document positive innovations in recycling and reuse of common discarded materials to construct Earth-friendly homes.
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Here are a few of my favourites from David Hiser's set, along with the original captions.
You can view last months Documerica Project Photographs by Marc St. Gil here.
Mrs. Albers and Her Husband Run the One Remaining Store in Grand
Valley. As It Became Unprofitable to Own and Operate Small Ranches the
Towns of the Piceance Basin Faded. Mrs. Albers Holds a Photograph of
the Store That Was Taken in 1900, 07/1973
Photography
in Arches National Park, in the Heart of the Redrock Country of
Southeastern Utah. To the South Is the Colorado River and the
Picturesque Old Mormon Pioneer Town of Moab, 05/1972
A Hiker in the Maze, a Remote and Rugged Region in the Heart of the
Canyonlands. In These Wild Sections There Are No Trails, and the
Explorer Must Rely on Map and Compass. Previous Experience Is
Necessary; Water Is Scarce, the Terrain Unforgiving and Help Is
Sometimes Days Away. But the Rewards Are Great, and Many People Feel
That This Is the Only Way to Truly Experience the Canyonlands, 05/1972
One of the Joys of a Long Hiking Trip in the Desert Is the Chance to
Relax and Do as You Please. Here Steve Miller Enjoys a Nap in the
Sunshine and Crystal Air of the Maze, a Wild and Beautiful Region in
the Heart of the Canyonlands Where Steve and His Group Are
Backpacking, 05/1972
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The Painted Bus Is Home, 10/1972
Empty Steel Beer and Soft Drink Cans That Litter the Countryside
Could Become a Sight of the
Past If the Experimental Houses Built from Them near Taos, New Mexico, Become Popular.
Past If the Experimental Houses Built from Them near Taos, New Mexico, Become Popular.
Empty Steel Beer and Soft Drink Cans Were Accumulated from a Variety
of Sources near Taos, New Mexico, to Be Used in Building Experimental
Houses. Because 70,000 Cans Are Needed to Build One Structure, the Can
Manufacturing Industry Is Watching with Interest.
Examples of Wall Construction in Experimental Housing Using Empty
Steel Beer and Soft Drinks Cans near Taos, New Mexico. Non-Load Bearing Walls Can Be Laid Horizontally and Will Be Plastered over When the House Is Completed. Exterior and
Load Bearing Walls Use Eight Can Blocks Wired Together
and Will Be Plastered over When the House Is Complete.
Completed Picture of the Experimental All Aluminum Beer and Soft
Drink Can House near Taos, New Mexico. It Took About 70,000 Cans to
Complete the Two Story Structure. the Cans Were Laid Horizontally in
Two Thicknesses, Separated by a Vertical Sheet of Foa.
Documerica Photographer, David Hiser, at Dead Horse Point, 05/1972
